My Sleep Science: How My Brain and Body Get Ready for Night Mode

Bedtime isn't one-size-fits-all. For many neurodivergent children, especially those with a PDA profile, traditional sleep routines and reward charts can feel overwhelming or create more resistance.My Sleep Science takes a different approach. Written in the style of a science textbook, this engaging social story invites children to become the scientist of their own brain and body. Together, you'll explore the different parts of the brain and body involved in preparing for sleep, discover why bedtime can sometimes feel difficult, and investigate practical strategies through curiosity instead of compliance.

Rather than telling children what they should do, this resource empowers them to ask:

• What helps my brain switch into night mode?
• What helps my body feel calm?
• What experiment would I like to try next?

Children can choose from a range of evidence-informed sleep strategies and record their discoveries using the included Sleep Experiment Sheet, allowing them to test ideas at their own pace and identify what works best for their unique brain.

This resource includes:

• An engaging science-themed social story in easy-to-print PDF format.
• Child-friendly explanations of how the brain and body prepare for sleep.
• Practical sleep strategies presented as experiments to explore.
• A printable Sleep Experiment Sheet for recording observations and choosing future experiments.
• A neuro-affirming approach that prioritises autonomy, curiosity, and collaboration over rigid routines.

Perfect for parents, teachers, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and anyone supporting neurodivergent children to build a positive relationship with sleep through understanding rather than pressure.